Senior Associate Attorney

Senior Associate Attorney Insurance Defense & CoverageAustin, TXPosition OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Associate Attorney with a strong insurance defense and coverage practice to join our litigation team. The ideal candidate will manage a diverse caseload of complex defense matters, provide strategic coverage analysis, represent insurance carriers and insureds in all phases of litigation, and work closely with partners and clients to achieve favorable outcomes. This role includes significant client contact, motion practice, trial preparation, and mentoring junior attorneys.Key ResponsibilitiesManage a substantial caseload of insurance defense and coverage matters from intake through resolution, including trial when necessary.Conduct thorough legal research and draft high-quality pleadings, motions, briefs, briefs in support/oppose, discovery requests/responses, and settlement documents.Prepare for and take depositions, attend hearings and court conferences, and argue motions in state and federal courts as appropriate.Provide coverage analysis and advise clients and claims teams on coverage issues, reservation of rights, indemnity, and allocation questions.Develop and implement litigation strategy in collaboration with partners, adjust case plans based on risk assessment and client objectives.Lead trial preparation activities, including witness preparation, exhibit management, jury instructions, and trial briefs; serve as lead or second chair at trial depending on matter complexity.Negotiate settlements and attend mediations/arbitrations with authority to recommend resolution strategies to clients.Supervise and mentor junior associates and paralegals; review their work, provide feedback, and support professional development.Maintain accurate and timely billing and matter management records in accordance with firm and client guidelines.Communicate regularly with clients and insurance carriers, providing clear status updates, risk assessments, and strategy recommendations.Coordinate with experts, adjusters, and outside counsel as needed to develop defense and coverage positions.Stay current on developments in insurance law, coverage decisions, litigation trends, and best practices for managing defense matters.QualificationsJuris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to practice in the relevant state(s).Minimum of 5+ years of litigation experience with substantial experience in insurance defense and coverage matters; prior law firm experience preferred.Proven track record of handling complex civil litigation, including motion practice, discovery, depositions, and trial experience.Demonstrated experience analyzing and advising on coverage issues, reservation of rights, indemnity, and allocation disputes.Excellent legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills; ability to draft persuasive briefs and client correspondence.Strong case and file management skills, with experience meeting billing and client reporting expectations.Experience supervising and mentoring junior attorneys and support staff.Comfortable working collaboratively with claims professionals, experts, and outside counsel to achieve client goals.Proficiency with legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis), e-discovery tools, and common case/matter management software.Ability to prioritize competing demands, work under deadlines, and manage a heavy caseload with professionalism and attention to detail.